Steven Smith eyes limited-overs progress

Over the past year, Steven Smith has grown to become an integral member of the Australia Test side, having played crucial roles in both the home Ashes and the series victory in South Africa. His limited-overs career with Australia hasn't quite flourished though, having last held down a regular spot nearly three years ago. It is something he wants to change, especially with the World Cup at home next year.

"I was pretty happy with my performances in the Ryobi and the T20 last year. It is my ambition to play all three forms for Australia," he said during Australia's fitness camp in Brisbane. "Hopefully I can keep improving and learning my game in the short form." He scored four half-centuries in eight innings for New South Wales in the Ryobi Cup last season, and played 10 matches for Rajasthan Royals in the recent IPL.

"IPL was very good for that, I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with Rajasthan, just to keep learning, and learning how to pace my innings, keep getting in those same situations, if I do it once, I know that I can do it again."

One tournament in which Smith could get a look-in in the shorter formats is the ODI tri-series in Zimbabwe starting late August. "I want to play all three forms for Australia, if I get an opportunity with a few guys potentially not going to Zimbabwe, if I get an opportunity to go there hopefully I can have a good series and really keep putting my foot forward."

@Siddhartha87: Sure, and Lyon is the second coming of Warne, Tim Paine the next Gilchrist and Maxwell the next Symonds, while we are at it.

siddhartha87
on June 10, 2014, 11:02 GMT

Smith is the new Waugh and Clarke is the new Border

social_monster09
on June 10, 2014, 8:33 GMT

@himmat on (June 10, 2014, 6:14 GMT) Well said mate I appreciate ur comment. But I want to add some lines about pace bowling department in ODI's that we have many options as McKay, Starc, Johnson, NC Nile for upcoming WC15. And In my view Starc is the only pacer in today's limited over cricket who is most suitable to bowl in death overs becoz of his swing & pace & IMO he is the most economical death overs bowler also.

Eightfa
on June 10, 2014, 8:25 GMT

George baileys time is up steve smith will captain the T20 side then the one day side when clarke steps aside. he is the next in line this progresion will happen over the next 12 months. who else is there.

dummy4fb
on June 10, 2014, 6:53 GMT

Can't believe Steven_Scott's comments lol

Firstly, Steve Smith came into the Sutherland first grade side as an opening batsman, opening with Phil Jaques. Smith was always a batsman that could bowl a little bit, He started with NSW as a batsman also until a couple of overs inIndia with NSW changed the selectors's views and they tried to turn him into Shane Warne Mk II. Even at Sutherland DCC, he was the second spinner behind Adam Zampa (now in SA). This almost ruined his game for a couple of years. Smith has been scoring consistently for a few years now.

dummy4fb
on June 10, 2014, 6:17 GMT

Steven_Scott, mate I don't think you have been following Steven Smiths career very closely mate, your viewpoint may be based on something stronger than what you are saying, but most of what you are saying here is based on what people say/ think of him as opposed to what has actually eventuated. < "a failed leg-spinner"> , from the start of Steven Smiths career he has been more of a batsman than bowler.He bats at 5 for NSW. He started out batting at 8 because like the case with Cameron White, Australia were in dire straits and was looking to fill in the gaping hole in the spin department whilst simultaneously bring in a young all-rounder in for exposure. Like Cameron White , Steven Smith was compared to Shane warne, but mainly cos he was a blond and bowled leg spin, not because he was an exceptional leg spinner, and believe me this happens often in Australian cricket, I'm from Melbourne, where Warne comes from, trust me I know! Steve Smith has been performing at FC level for some time.

himmat
on June 10, 2014, 6:14 GMT

Australia has one of the most destructive ODI squad in the world at present !!

Warner- Finch - is the new Gilchrist-Hayden !!!

then you have the unpredictably deadly middle order of Maxwell , Faulkner and Smith who can win you the match out of nowhere......!!

Spin Bowling is the concern though.....!!!

dunger.bob
on June 10, 2014, 2:36 GMT

Whether you believe Smith is the second coming of Steve Waugh or not, it's hard to argue against the progress he's made in the last 18 months or so. I've always thought we've got some young batting talent in this country and it was really frustrating that none of them were putting their hands up when the going got tough. It's players like Smith and Warner who are showing the others how it's done and in that sense he's already leader in the Test team.

As far as one day cricket is concerned I can't think of a better type of player to have in your middle order. If you're lots down for bugger all he can bat the overs out and if you're racing along in a healthy position he won't let the run rate slip. Ideal in my mind at least.

Chris_P
on June 10, 2014, 1:11 GMT

@Steven_Scott. Unlike you, I've been watching NSW in the shield for a number of years & this "one season form"you speak of has been around for the past 3 to 4 seasons. His technique, you are so critical about, has tightened up significantly, you don't score 4 centuries within a 7 test match span with a dodgy technique. You're right, he started out batting at #8 when he first played as a teenager, the same spot as Steve Waugh did, just about all young all rounders bat about there, both were selected for their bowing first up. I can honestly say I have never ever read he was the next Warne & Stuart Clark, while no Glen McGrath, did take 94 test wickets @ 23.86. not too shabby I would suggest.

espncricinfomobile
on June 12, 2014, 0:13 GMT

Smith is a talented player and he should utilize his talent...

dummy4fb
on June 11, 2014, 20:37 GMT

@Siddhartha87: Sure, and Lyon is the second coming of Warne, Tim Paine the next Gilchrist and Maxwell the next Symonds, while we are at it.

siddhartha87
on June 10, 2014, 11:02 GMT

Smith is the new Waugh and Clarke is the new Border

social_monster09
on June 10, 2014, 8:33 GMT

@himmat on (June 10, 2014, 6:14 GMT) Well said mate I appreciate ur comment. But I want to add some lines about pace bowling department in ODI's that we have many options as McKay, Starc, Johnson, NC Nile for upcoming WC15. And In my view Starc is the only pacer in today's limited over cricket who is most suitable to bowl in death overs becoz of his swing & pace & IMO he is the most economical death overs bowler also.

Eightfa
on June 10, 2014, 8:25 GMT

George baileys time is up steve smith will captain the T20 side then the one day side when clarke steps aside. he is the next in line this progresion will happen over the next 12 months. who else is there.

dummy4fb
on June 10, 2014, 6:53 GMT

Can't believe Steven_Scott's comments lol

Firstly, Steve Smith came into the Sutherland first grade side as an opening batsman, opening with Phil Jaques. Smith was always a batsman that could bowl a little bit, He started with NSW as a batsman also until a couple of overs inIndia with NSW changed the selectors's views and they tried to turn him into Shane Warne Mk II. Even at Sutherland DCC, he was the second spinner behind Adam Zampa (now in SA). This almost ruined his game for a couple of years. Smith has been scoring consistently for a few years now.

dummy4fb
on June 10, 2014, 6:17 GMT

Steven_Scott, mate I don't think you have been following Steven Smiths career very closely mate, your viewpoint may be based on something stronger than what you are saying, but most of what you are saying here is based on what people say/ think of him as opposed to what has actually eventuated. < "a failed leg-spinner"> , from the start of Steven Smiths career he has been more of a batsman than bowler.He bats at 5 for NSW. He started out batting at 8 because like the case with Cameron White, Australia were in dire straits and was looking to fill in the gaping hole in the spin department whilst simultaneously bring in a young all-rounder in for exposure. Like Cameron White , Steven Smith was compared to Shane warne, but mainly cos he was a blond and bowled leg spin, not because he was an exceptional leg spinner, and believe me this happens often in Australian cricket, I'm from Melbourne, where Warne comes from, trust me I know! Steve Smith has been performing at FC level for some time.

himmat
on June 10, 2014, 6:14 GMT

Australia has one of the most destructive ODI squad in the world at present !!

Warner- Finch - is the new Gilchrist-Hayden !!!

then you have the unpredictably deadly middle order of Maxwell , Faulkner and Smith who can win you the match out of nowhere......!!

Spin Bowling is the concern though.....!!!

dunger.bob
on June 10, 2014, 2:36 GMT

Whether you believe Smith is the second coming of Steve Waugh or not, it's hard to argue against the progress he's made in the last 18 months or so. I've always thought we've got some young batting talent in this country and it was really frustrating that none of them were putting their hands up when the going got tough. It's players like Smith and Warner who are showing the others how it's done and in that sense he's already leader in the Test team.

As far as one day cricket is concerned I can't think of a better type of player to have in your middle order. If you're lots down for bugger all he can bat the overs out and if you're racing along in a healthy position he won't let the run rate slip. Ideal in my mind at least.

Chris_P
on June 10, 2014, 1:11 GMT

@Steven_Scott. Unlike you, I've been watching NSW in the shield for a number of years & this "one season form"you speak of has been around for the past 3 to 4 seasons. His technique, you are so critical about, has tightened up significantly, you don't score 4 centuries within a 7 test match span with a dodgy technique. You're right, he started out batting at #8 when he first played as a teenager, the same spot as Steve Waugh did, just about all young all rounders bat about there, both were selected for their bowing first up. I can honestly say I have never ever read he was the next Warne & Stuart Clark, while no Glen McGrath, did take 94 test wickets @ 23.86. not too shabby I would suggest.

lian_14
on June 10, 2014, 0:58 GMT

Australia's top 6 at the moment is Warner, Finch, Watson (or Marsh in any of the top 3 spots), Clarke, Bailey, Maxwell.
In the middle order you have Clarke, who is captain, Bailey who has been the most consistent batsmen in ODI for Aus in the last 18 months, and Maxwell who can be a game changer and can provide the quick runs at the end of an innings.
I think it's a really strong batting line-up if they all perform, and that's why Steve Smith has yet to make one place his own.

peeeeet
on June 10, 2014, 0:32 GMT

Steven_Scott, I think you are rating Smith's batting a bit too harshly. If you take his test stats out of his first class stats, then his first class average jumps up to 50.5, with 9 hundreds and 17 fifties from 43 games. Not bad for someone who for the first part of his career was being told to be a spinner, then realised he was a much better batsman. Also, his last 3 series in the Australian team he has increased his average every time - 38 in England, 40 in Australia, 67 in South Africa. He will inevetiably encounter some ups and downs, but it is quite clear from these numbers that he is primarily a batsman and is getting more and more comfortable in the team.

dummy4fb
on June 10, 2014, 0:12 GMT

steven scott - the reason people are ordaining Steve SMith as Australia's next captain is because who else is out there after Michael Clarke? Watson, Bailey, Haddin are all 30+, Watson can't stay 100% all the time, Bailey can't break into the test team, and the other potential young leader - Warner in recent times has fallen out of favour because of his off field behaviour. Noone is saying Steve Smith is going to captain Australia tomorrow, but he is the front runner to captain Australia in say 3 years time.

Ozcricketwriter
on June 9, 2014, 20:46 GMT

I would have him in all 3 teams right now. It seems silly that he was first regarded as an ODI/T20 specialist and now it is the reverse. But, then again, South Africa did that with Vernon Philander so maybe Smith has to accept that he is now a test player.

Steven_Scott
on June 9, 2014, 17:03 GMT

Correction in my previous comment: I meant let Steven Smith be consistent for a couple of years home and away- not a couple of series

Steven_Scott
on June 9, 2014, 16:46 GMT

One good home series and suddenly Steve Smith is the next captain. I don't understand why we Aussies are so hasty in elevating players after a couple of good performances. This guy is a failed leg spinner trying to reinvent himself as a batsman and so far it is going good (credit to him) but seriously hailing him as the next captain either suggests a lack of other quality choices or a typically hasty judgement from us. Remember, Stuart Clark was supposed to be the next Mc Grath, there have been people suggesting that Steve Smith is the next Shane Warne. And Phil Hughes the left handed Ponting. We all know how that turned out. Let Smith be consistent for a couple of series home and away and then take it from there. His technique is so awkward that everytime we see him bat it reminds us why he started his career batting at no.8. Fair dinkum mates.

GROUCHO_MARX
on June 9, 2014, 14:14 GMT

A very fine player indeed...well done mate

social_monster09
on June 9, 2014, 14:11 GMT

It's laughable some people like @stormy 16 still think that Aussie batting order is still uncertain. Neither team except Aus has a perfect settled batting order right now nor SA becoz of the retirement of Smith & Kallis. So don't live in past see the present & feel the tomorrow.

stormy16
on June 9, 2014, 12:46 GMT

The Smith story contiues to go the unexpected path - for me anyway. First I thought he came in a leg spinner and someone thought he could bat! Then he played as a batter in the Ashes thrashing and I forgot about him. Next he showed up in India and then snuck in an Ashes test in England and the rest is a fairy tale. He has been sensational in the middle order and is now a certainty in an uncertain Aus batting order. For all my mind he was always going to be a limited overs player and never a test player but now he cant get a limited over game. I cannot they didnt take him for the t20 WC in Bangladesh ahead of some older players. Netiher can I get over the fact this guy cant get a game in the 50 over team ahead of all sorts of options Aus have kept trying. Surely he offers plenty as a limited over player in all three facets and now someone is talking of him as a potential future leader. Just like is batting style, he is awfully awkward and unconvincing but mighty effecitve.

regofpicton
on June 9, 2014, 12:18 GMT

Super player, and most people know it. When looking for a reason for Rajasthan's coming a cropper late in IPL, a large majority voted for dropping of Smith as the main cause. I agree with them!

dummy4fb
on June 9, 2014, 12:18 GMT

Go Smithy !! U can do it !! :DD

Chris_P
on June 9, 2014, 12:14 GMT

@Sir_Francis Did you not read the about NSW winning the Sheffield Shield the past season? Who do you think was captain? And this without players such as Watson. Warner, Bollinger, Clarke & Haddin. He is very much an inspirational leader, he was also captain of the Sixers with Brad Haddin himself stepping down to allow him to flourish & utilize his cricket nous. As others have pointed out, he captained his Sydney Grade team at 18, that doesn't happen unless you got the goods. Wake up & smell the coffee my friend.

xtrafalgarx
on June 9, 2014, 12:10 GMT

@Sir_francis: Captain Sixers to BBL finals, also won the champions trophy with them. He was captain when NSW won the shield title.

dummy4fb
on June 9, 2014, 11:47 GMT

@Sir_Francis, well, he captained Sutherland when he was 18-19 and he's captained the Sixers AND NSW to titles. A lot more practice than many players who get made captain at national level.

Cricket24
on June 9, 2014, 11:26 GMT

@Sir_Francis: he captained the sydney sixers to bbl title

dummy4fb
on June 9, 2014, 11:26 GMT

I would not say is god gifted but starting with that innings in India, over the last 15 months or so, Smith has improved lot espically in the Longer game considering he was touted to a be a limited overs player. Way to go Smithy, wish you well on route to your WC selection!

espncricinfomobile
on June 9, 2014, 11:18 GMT

He had captained NSW to the domestic championship. Had been a leader through the age groups too. Very talented and will be vice captain to Clarke soon

Sir_Francis
on June 9, 2014, 10:51 GMT

Why is he captain material? Where is the evidence he is a great leader?

Has he done much captaincy, or is it just wishful thinking?

android_user
on June 9, 2014, 10:35 GMT

Dynamic enough to play well in all 3 formats. He'd improve the middle order in the ODI team. Also, he's captain material.

social_monster09
on June 9, 2014, 10:29 GMT

Without a doubt he is very talented and god gifted batsman in modern age cricket. A great batsman, a great fielder & a good leg spinner. His footwork is amazing & his technique of playing shots in any condition or pitch i.e. in England In South Africa & especially in India where ball is turning from first over of day 1 is just mind blowing. He is a future asset for the team both in tests & in Odi's too. A perfect replacement of Clarke's seat after his retirement both as a pure batsman & as a great leader. Go on steeveeee...

No featured comments at the moment.

social_monster09
on June 9, 2014, 10:29 GMT

Without a doubt he is very talented and god gifted batsman in modern age cricket. A great batsman, a great fielder & a good leg spinner. His footwork is amazing & his technique of playing shots in any condition or pitch i.e. in England In South Africa & especially in India where ball is turning from first over of day 1 is just mind blowing. He is a future asset for the team both in tests & in Odi's too. A perfect replacement of Clarke's seat after his retirement both as a pure batsman & as a great leader. Go on steeveeee...

android_user
on June 9, 2014, 10:35 GMT

Dynamic enough to play well in all 3 formats. He'd improve the middle order in the ODI team. Also, he's captain material.

Sir_Francis
on June 9, 2014, 10:51 GMT

Why is he captain material? Where is the evidence he is a great leader?

Has he done much captaincy, or is it just wishful thinking?

espncricinfomobile
on June 9, 2014, 11:18 GMT

He had captained NSW to the domestic championship. Had been a leader through the age groups too. Very talented and will be vice captain to Clarke soon

dummy4fb
on June 9, 2014, 11:26 GMT

I would not say is god gifted but starting with that innings in India, over the last 15 months or so, Smith has improved lot espically in the Longer game considering he was touted to a be a limited overs player. Way to go Smithy, wish you well on route to your WC selection!

Cricket24
on June 9, 2014, 11:26 GMT

@Sir_Francis: he captained the sydney sixers to bbl title

dummy4fb
on June 9, 2014, 11:47 GMT

@Sir_Francis, well, he captained Sutherland when he was 18-19 and he's captained the Sixers AND NSW to titles. A lot more practice than many players who get made captain at national level.

xtrafalgarx
on June 9, 2014, 12:10 GMT

@Sir_francis: Captain Sixers to BBL finals, also won the champions trophy with them. He was captain when NSW won the shield title.

Chris_P
on June 9, 2014, 12:14 GMT

@Sir_Francis Did you not read the about NSW winning the Sheffield Shield the past season? Who do you think was captain? And this without players such as Watson. Warner, Bollinger, Clarke & Haddin. He is very much an inspirational leader, he was also captain of the Sixers with Brad Haddin himself stepping down to allow him to flourish & utilize his cricket nous. As others have pointed out, he captained his Sydney Grade team at 18, that doesn't happen unless you got the goods. Wake up & smell the coffee my friend.